Associate Principal/Senior Plumbing Design Engineer

Overview

A nationally recognized building-systems engineering consultancy is seeking an Associate Principal/Senior Plumbing Design Engineer to help lead its Chicago practice. The organization delivers sophisticated, high-performance MEP solutions for complex buildings across healthcare, education, commercial, hospitality, transportation, and other markets.

This is an opportunity for an established plumbing engineering leader to shape a local team, deepen client relationships, and take ownership of technically challenging work from early planning through construction.

Position Description

The Associate Principal/Senior Plumbing Design Engineer will serve as a discipline leader across multiple MEP projects. This person will blend advanced plumbing systems design expertise with team leadership, project delivery, construction-phase support, and exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities:

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  Lead plumbing system selection, engineering, design, and interdisciplinary coordination.

  
  


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  Prepare and oversee plumbing drawings, sketches, analyses, specifications, calculations, and other technical deliverables.

  
  


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  Build, mentor, and lead plumbing design support staff while maintaining high standards for quality, accountability, and collaboration.

  
  


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  Provide construction administration and conduct site observations for assigned projects.

  
  


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  Support overall project management alongside MEP team leaders.

  
  


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  Communicate clearly with clients and project partners while providing responsive service to internal and external teams.

  
  

Requirements:

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  Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience equivalent to a degree.

  
  


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  At least 8 years of experience in MEP plumbing design and consulting.

  
  


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  Demonstrated team-leadership and staff-management experience.

  
  


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  Project management experience within the MEP industry.

  
  


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  Working knowledge of IPC/UPC and IBC standards.

  
  


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  Comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes and plumbing design systems.

  
  


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  Strong client-service, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

  
  

Desired Experience & Skills:

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  Professional Engineer license or CPD certification.

  
  


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  LEED accreditation.

  
  


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  Working knowledge of Autodesk Revit.

  
  


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  A relationship-driven leadership style and the ability to support both technical delivery and practice growth.

  
  

Benefits:

Salary Range: $122,000–$150,000 annually, plus eligibility for a conditional bonus.

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  Employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

  
  


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  Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

  
  


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  401(k), life insurance, disability coverage, and transportation benefits.

  
  


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  Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end office closure.

  
  


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  Professional development, mentorship, and opportunities for continued career growth.

  
  


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  Paid volunteer time and opportunities to contribute to the local community.

  
  

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are ready to combine technical leadership, team development, and client partnership in a role with meaningful influence, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Help guide exceptional people and projects while building the next chapter of a growing Chicago practice—apply today.

This position offers a flexible hybrid schedule with a minimum of two days per week in the Chicago office.

The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.